Ivan Lee (M69) invited several 69ers to get together at his house in New Jersey around June-July of 2015. U Aung Myint and U Sein Tin could not make it to the 2015 mini-reunion.
Fred Thetgyi (M69)
Phil 1Phil 2Phil 3Phil 4Phil 5Phil 6Phil 9
New Jersey
Main Host : Ivan
Other hosts : Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ivan took us on a short trip to New York
Ivan showed us around New Jersey
For several years, Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC Gathering with Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing as Guests of Honor.
Photo shows two Sayas and six 69ers — Fred, TAG, HM, Alice, Toung / Tom and Ivan
New Jersey
Frederick Thetgyi (M69)
Lives in Philadelphia
Joined the 2015 mini-reunion
Fred drove most of the 1800+ mile trip in Ivan’s Mercedes
Except when his batteries went out, he took pictures at the mini-reunion and the trip.
He would appear only in a fraction of the photos, when someone else (Ivan, a waiter, or a stranger) took the photo.
After the trip to Canada, Fred hosted us at his home in Philadelphia and showed us around. He also took us to Maryland to see my lone remaining uncle U Thein Han.
Niagara Falls
We stopped by on the way to Canada
Took photos of the Falls from the US side & the Canada side
Niagara Fall
Windsor, Canada
Host : Sayagyi U Aung Khin
Saya patiently waited for our arrival.
Saya let me and my spouse spend the night in his Guest room. Ivan and Fred stayed at a motel.
Saya prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast.
He gave us mementos.
U Aung KhinSaya U Aung Khin Memento
Toronto
Brief sight seeing
Saya Des Rodgers had earlier invited to drop by his house, but our schedule did not have slack time.
Napean, Canada
Host: Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Saya drove us around Toronto
We spent two nights at Saya’s house.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Took a quick trip to Thousand Islands. Ma Ma Emma bought a gift for my Myee
Thousand Islands
Shrewberry, Massachussetts
Hosts : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) & Daw Khin Maw Maw
Since they were renovating their home, U TAG hosted us at a hotel.
Visit MIT & Harvard University
U TAGDinner
Trumbull, Connecticut
Hosts : U Toung (Tom, EC69) and Daw Khin Myint
Visit Yale University
Visit Pizza place frequented by the young Bill Clinton
Ko ToungPlace frequented by young Bill Clinton
Philadelphia
Hosts : Fred Thetgyi (M69) & Euniceo
Dropped by to see Fred’s elder sister
Visit Pake Forge and Liberty Bell
Visit my last remaining uncle U Thein Han in Maryland
Worked for Joint Venture Corporation (JVC) formed by relatives
Found an advertisement in a newspaper to apply for a Government Scholarship.
Selected to study Agricultural Engineering in USA
Received Masters from Virginia Tech
Came back to Burma on an Ocean Liner with Saya Allen Htay (GBNF), Saya U Soe Paing, Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) & U Than Pe. They became close friends on the two-month long journey.
M/Agri Saya at RIT
Upon his return, he was assigned to Agricultural Institute in Yezin. Before reporting for duty, he visited RIT.
Sayagyi U Ba Than (GBNF) asked if he would like to join Agri Sub-Department of Mechanical Engineering. Sayagyi said that some students were not at ease following lectures given by visiting Soviet lecturers via interpreters.
President, RIT Thaing
Played Defender on RIT Saya Soccer team
Life after RIT
Worked in Thailand & USA
Attended RIT Alumni Gatherings in USA
Donated $500 for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project.
U Tin Maung Nyunt’s Donation
He is a day older than Saya Allen Htay (GBNF). Their birthdays are December 30 & 31.
Monthly Breakfast Gathering with Saya Allen, U Ko Ko Aye (GBNF), Ko Thein Naing (Patrick) and me.
U Tin Maung Nyunt & Saya Allen
Saya U Soe Paing visited him in Milpitas, California. We had a lunch gathering at a restaurant.
U Tin Maung Nyunt 2
He enjoyed Hiking & Tennis, but had to suspend due to Jara and Byadi
Volunteer for establishing Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery in Northern California.
He had operations (one quite early and another a few years back).
I served as member of the Committee to publish a book to honor Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa.
I was a Contributing Editor.
U Silananda
Libraries
Many monasteries have libraries with texts in Pali, Burmese/Myanmar & English. Some have indexed the library collection.
It is difficult if not impossible to read all the books in a library.
Libraries in Monasteries (Northern California)
Dhammananda Vihara Half Moon Bay
Kuthalakari, Fremont
Mettananda Vihara, Oakland (formerly at Fremont & Castro Valley)
Mudita Shwe Kyaung, Hayward
Tathagata Meditation Center, San Jose
Training and Teaching Centers
Mingalar Byu Har (မင်္ဂလာဗျူဟာ), Dhamma Byu Har (ဓမ္မဗျူဟာ), Dhammacakka Society (ဓမ္မစကြာအသင်းအဖွဲ့ ), Pathan Sar Thin Taik (ပဌာန်းစာသင်တိုက်) and the various training and teaching centers have helped sustain, promote, and propagate Sasana.
Theravada Canon
Theravada means “Way of the Elders”.
At the First Buddhist Council and at the subsequent Councils, the sacred texts are reaffirmed. The Teachings are not added, deleted, or modified.
Burma hosted the Fifth & Sixth Buddhist Councils.
Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa initiated two projects: one to digitize the marble slabs inscribed during the Fifth Buddhist Council in Mandalay, and the other to compile a CD of the Tipitaka texts that were re-affirmed at the Sixth Buddhist Council in Rangoon/Yangon.
The Pali-Myanmar Tipitaka Dictionary was compiled under the guidance of the Sayadawgyis (e.g. Mahasi Sayadaw) and the [then young] Sayadaws (e.g. U Silananda). Myanmar translations of the Tipitaka texts were published by the Department of Religious Affairs.
Mahagandaryone Sayadaw U Janakabivamsa
He wrote texts for both the sanghas and the lay people. They include
Ba Tha Thway ဘာသာသွေး
Yadana Gone Yi ရတနာ့ဂုဏ်ရည်
A Na Gut Thar Tha Yay အနာဂတ်သာသနာရေး (Future of the Dispensation)
Ko Kyint Abhidhamma ကိုယ်ကျင့်အဘိဓမ္မာ (Abhidhamma in Daily Life)
Shin pone shin kyint wut ရှင်ပုံ ရှင်ကျင့်ဝတ် (rules for the samanera/novices)
The Illustrated History of Buddhism (with drawings by Sayagyi U Ba Kyi)
Dhamma Recording
Tape Recorders
In the 50’s and 60’s, the Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS) used mostly Ampex tape recorders for high fidelity.
The general public used less expensive brands such as Akai, Grudig and Sony for recording.
Sixth Buddhist Council
During the Sixth Buddhist Council (1954 – 1956), BBS broadcast the sessions where Mahasi Sayadaw served as the Questioner and Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw served as the Reciter/Expositor.
The archives are being offered as dhamma dana in Audio CD and MP3 formats.
Kudos to those who are trying to preserve, practice, and propagate the Sasana (Teachings of the Buddha).
Teachings of Sayadaws
Individuals and organizations have provided access to their dhamma archives.
Sun Lun Sayadaw
Recordings (dhamma talks, kammavaca, …) of Myingyan Sun Lun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw U Kavi were made by his disciples. They can be downloaded from the Sun Lun web site.
Mogok Sayadaw
U Sway Tin and his team recorded 500+ talks of the Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala. They also transcribed the tapes for distribution as books. The advances in technology make possible the redistribution of the archives as Audio CDs, MP3s, and e-Books.
Dhammananda Sayadaw
Recordings of Sayadaw U Silananda (Abdhidhamma, “Words of the Buddha”, …, dhamma talks given at the meditation retreats) were made by his disciples at Dhammacakka Center, Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Tathagatha Meditation Center (TMC), and Zen Buddhist Temple. Some works are available as Audio CDs, MP3s and books. I was honored to edit the dhamma talks (transcribed by Sayadaw U Osadha) before presenting them to SayadawU S ilananda for final review and editing. The book was published in 2003 by the Malaysian yogis organized by Pauline Chiong.
Taya Oo
TMC Publications
Tathagata Meditation Center
TMC was founded by the Vietnamese disciples of Sayadaw U Silananda.
TMC is located at 1215 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122
Conducts several long-term meditation retreats per year.
Used to offer two week-end retreats for months when there are no long-term retreats.
Holds summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
Published several books for Dhamma Dana distribution. They include teachings by Mahasi Sayadaw, U Pandita, U Silananda, and books to study Pali.
Pali
For the past few years, U Dhammika-bhivamsa (Tharmanay Kyaw) taught Pali courses using selected Suttas to interested yogis to have an appreciation of Buddha’s teachings without delving into the details of Pali grammar.
The course materials were prepared by Som Tu (Director of TMC, Retired executive in Technology) under the guidance of Thamanay Kyaw Sayadaw.
Reference Books
I used to volunteer as Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC).
Beelin Sayadaw U Pannadipa (then Resident Sayadaw at TMC, currently Padana Nayaka Sayadaw at Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone in Yangon) gave me the book “A Pali Myanmar-English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha”.
The book was compiled by U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe) and translated into English by U San Lwin.
TMC gave me the book “Buddhist Dictionary” by Ven. Nyantiloka.
It is subtitled “Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines”.
The first edition was published in 1946.
The third revised & enlarged edition was edited by Ven. Nyanaponika in 1970.
Intro to Pali
U Hla Myint, who had passed Dhammacariya & several monastic exams as a monk, gave me a PDF version of his manuscript “An Introduction to Pali” for study and review. The book is available as Dhamma Dana distribution from TMC.
He studied Pali under the guidance of Mahagandayone Sayadaw U Jananabhivamsa (one of the greatest Pali scholars in the 20th century) and with the outstanding teachers U Vijaya-lankara and U Dhamika-bhivamsa (with pen name “Thamanay Kyaw”).
He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Pandita-bhivamsa and with the eminent teachers such as U Aung Myat Thut, U Aye Maung and U Hla Maung.
He has written, translated and edited several books for TMC.
Triple Gem Publications
Founder Members
Harry Than Htut (Canada)
U Htay Aung (Victor, Australia)
Dr. Maung Maung Lwin (UK)
U Tin Htoon (USA)
Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, Singapore)
Sample Publications
Emptying the Rose-Apple Seat A day-to-day guide to Buddhist meditation methods as taught by a renowned meditation master by Aggamahapandita Bhaddhanta Dr. Rewata Dhamma Foreword by Joseph Goldstein
The Buddha’s Prescription A selection of talks and essays by Dr. Rewata Dhamma
Inward Path Publisher
Background
IPP is in Penang, Malaysia.
Aims at disseminating the noble teachings of Wisdom and Compassion of the Buddha to a wide segment of readers through the printing of Dhamma books and booklets.
Dhamma Dana
Inward Journey Books (free Dhamma books) include the following :
One Truth Only A Compilation of Passages from Mahasi Sayadaw’s discourses
The Way to the Happiness of Peace Understanding the Basics of Insight Meditation By Sayadaw U Pandita
Paritta Pali and Protective Verses A Collection of Eleven Protective Verses & An English Translation By Sayadaw U Silananda
Volition An Introduction to the Law of Kamma By Sayadaw U Silananda
No Inner Core An Introduction to the Doctrine of Anatta By Sayadaw U Silananda
Idriya The Nine Causes which Sharpen the Controlling Faculty of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi By Sayadaw U Kundala
Vipassana Bhavana Basic Principles of Mindfulness Meditation By Sayadaw U Kundala
Time and Priceless Treasures of Thabyekan Sayadaw Compiled by Tharmanay Kyaw
Triple Gems Publications, in collaboration with Suki Hoti Publications, have made available dhamma dana books. See the relevant postings.
Theravada Web Sites
Thanks to the websites (such as those listed below), the Teachings of the Buddha and His disciples can easily be studied, practiced, and propagated.
In the dining hall, there is an album about Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s early years in the US (e.g. meditation retreat at a church, dhamma classes at a Zen Buddhism Temple).
There are also photos about the Summer Camp for children and young adults.
There are two cabinets of books: one for dhamma dana distribution, and another for sale.
Newsletter
The “Dhamma Bell Newsletter” was edited by volunteers (U Theikdi & Maureen O’Brien).
It was published quarterly.
It featured dhamma talks given at TMC and also recipes (e.g. vegetarian spring rolls).
Sayadaws
Panditarama Sayadaw
Panditarama Sayadaw
Sayadawgyi conducted Annual Meditation Retreats.
Later, he assigned Sayadaws to conduct the Retreats on his behalf.
Beelin Sayadaw
Beelin Sayadaw
Spent over a decade as Chief Resident Sayadaw at TMC
Back in Myanmar, Sayadaw resided at Hse Mile Gone and Panditarama
Passed away on June 18, 2025.
TMC held a ceremony on July 19, 2025 to honor Beelin Sayadaw.
U Dhammika (Tharmane Kyaw Sayadaw)
Sayadaw taught Pali courses at TMC
He wrote “Pali Sikkha ပါဠိသိက္ခာ” (Practicing Pali) texts.
Many events are covered in my posts & Newsletter Updates.
The following are some highlights for 1963 – 2026.
I spent five years studying at RIT.
I have spent 27 years paying back to my alma mater and my mentors.
Thanks to my family members for their support.
1963
Matric Exam
Took Matric Only exam in May
Stood 7th in the whole of Burma. Honored at a ceremony at St. Paul’s High School.
7th in Burma
Won the Collegiate Scholarship of 75 kyats a month
Scholarship Winners
OPA invited us to the Annual Dinner on June 30.
OPA Dinner
A newspaper clipping describing the Dinner is shown below. From R to L : Khin Maung U, Min Oo, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, me & Maung Maung Kyi
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten and ten in the Top Twenty in the Matric exam of 1963. Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Maung Maung Kyi (11th) and Aung Thu Yein (13th) are now GBNF.
Our SPHS teachers are GBNF. Saya Beatson, who became a monk, was the last saya to pass away.
Inter A
Attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone.
Rowing
Joined Rangoon University Boat Club with fellow Paulians Maung Maung Kyi (GBNF), Kyaw Wynn and Willie Soe Maung (GBNF). Our crew was Runners up for the Senior Novices. We were awarded Full Green.
Citing Security Concerns, the RUBC 40th Anniversary Regatta was canceled. Following the 7th July Anniversary protests, the University courses except Medicine & Engineering were suspended. The hostel students were ordered to return to their homes.
Sithu U Tin (President, GBNF) decided not to cancel the RUBC 40th Anniversary Dinner at Orient Hotel in Kandawgyi. Several members are now GBNF.
1964 – 1969
The I.Sc(A) exam was held at the High Schools.
RIT
2nd BE
Attended first ever 2nd BE class at Rangoon Institute of Technology in November 1964.
I was admitted as the Top student based on the I.Sc(A) exam marks.
Luyechun
Luyechun
Selected Luyechun in 2nd BE. Attended the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in the summer of 1965 along with Ko Sein Shwe, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin and Ko Zaw Min.
The Luyechun program was started in the summer of 1964 with students from 7th to 10th Standards. In 1965, the program also included students from Universities & Institutes.
Some Luyechuns — Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1), Khin Aye Than (Chemistry), Tun Naung (Dental), Than Sit (Sagaing) and Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) — are now GBNF.
Associations
Served as Joint Secretary, Secretary & Magazine Committee member of the RIT EE Association
RIT EE Association
Served as the last ever officially elected Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club. The higher authorities abolished the Bye laws and prevented me from becoming RUBC Captain.
Writing
Started free lance writing (article, poem, translation …)
Published the poem “Men on the Moon” in Guardian newspaper in July 1969. Mr. Hall (Information Officer, USIA) sent a copy of the poem to NASA and the astronauts.
Men on the Moon
Graduation
Graduated with B.E (EC).
Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla and Sai Aik Yee are now GBNF.
Hla Min, Tun Aung Gyaw, Ko Toung and Tin Tin are in USA. Win Boh is in Australia. Than Lwin, Ye Win and Maung Ko are in Myanmar.
EE69
1970 – 1998
Work
UK
Universities’ Computer Center (UCC) : Computer Engineer, Sr. Systems Programmer, Business Application Manager ko
UCC Course
Department of Computer Science (DCS) : Senior Lecturer
Institute of Computer Science and Technology (ICST) : Associate Professor
Tech Companies in the Silicon Valley : Member, Senior Member & Principal Member of Technical Staff
Publications & Projects
Articles & translations in Guardian, Working Peoples’ Daily (WPD), Forward Magazine, Veda ဝေဒ Magazine, and Pan ပန် Magazine.
Assisted Saya Dr. Chit Swe’s projects including High School Mathematics, Children’s Treasury of Knowledge (CTK), Team of System Specialists (TOSS)
Wrote Computer Science, Programming & Lecture guides and UCC manuals with Saya U Soe Paing and Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF).
U Soe Paing
Per request from U Myint Sein (Principal, BARB, GBNF), I assigned Ko Win Latt and Ko Zaw Tun Veda projects and supervised them. Their programs are used by Veda sayas, students & practitioners.
With Veda Sayas
1999
Newsletter
Newsletter
Started “RIT Alumni International Newsletter”
It started with the news and photos of some gatherings back in Burma. (a) 30th Anniversary of the Graduation of the Class of 69 — reported by Ko Daniel Tint Lwin and Ma Saw Yu Tint (Alice) (b) Mini-gathering with Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and other sayas and senior alumni — reported by Saya U Soe Paing
2000
SPZP-2000
SPZP-2000
First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, USA in October 2000
Commemorative web pages (thanks to KMZ)
Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter by me and team
My Poem
64 Countdown to the Reunion posts
36 Post-Reunion posts
2002
SPZP-2002
Second RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung”
by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Reprinted my “SAYA PUZAW PWE” poem as Back Cover
2004
SPZP-2004
Third RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
Mild earthquake did not rattle the attendees
2006
Three Gatherings in Sydney
Visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings
RIT Alumni Dinner organized by Saya U Hla Myint, Saya U Myo Win (GBNF) & team
RIT Gathering
UCC Alumni Gathering hosted by Saya U Aung Zaw (GBNF) and Daw Kyawt
UCC Gathering
BOB Gathering at Olympic Park organized by Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe)
2007
SPZP-2007
SPZP-2007
Fourth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed a poem “SWE DAW YEIK”
UCC Gathering
UCC gathering in Yangon hosted by Saya U Soe Paing& Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ko Soe Myint & Ma Nge are now GBNF.
UCC Gathering
2010
SPZP-2010
Fifth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Singapore
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” by Saya U Moe Aung and team
Contributed an article : Sad and short clip — EE sayas
2012
SPZP-2012
SPZP-2012
Sixth RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
True “Home Coming” in the Gyogone Campus
Special publication : History of University Engineering Education in Burma/Myanmar by Saya U Aung Hla Tun & team (Ko Ohn Khine & I compiled the CD supplement for the book)
Publication: Selected RIT Cartoons
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by U Saw Lin & team
Limited reprints of 23 RIT Annual Magazines
2013
SDYF
SDYF
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Contributions for various projects
Health care for the sayas and sayamas
Soon Kyway
For our Golden Jubilee
Gifts from Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ), Zaw Tun & Kyu Kyu
2014
RIT Shwe YaDu
GJ of Admission
50th Anniversary of the opening of RIT in 1964
Planted 50 Swel Daw Bins
Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” by Saya U Moe Aung & team (Contributed an article : “Recollections of a 69er”)
Paved Shwe YaDu lane and set up Swel Daw Yeik benches
Translated Saya U Moe Aung’s Shwe YaDu poem
2016
SPZP-2016
RIT/YIT/YTU Alumni Association
Seventh RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in Yangon
10000+ attendees
Free food and fun (all day and all night long)
Platinum Jubilee for the Class of 69
Hosted by some 69ers for their friends (in their sunset)
Appreciation Awards
Soonkway at Half Moon Bay Monastery (organized by U Maurice Chee)
HMB
Received Alumni Appreciation Award from alumni worldwide
Award 1
Annual Dinner by Northern California RIT Alumni Association
NorCal RITAA
Received plaque signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (Chair, BOD, GBNF), U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, President), and U Thaung Nyunt (Secretary)
Award 2
Gatherings
Attended SPZP-2016 and Platinum Jubilee of the Class of 69
SPZP-2016Ovada
2017
Post-SPZP
Attended Post-SPZP2016 Gatherings
DTM
Awards : Distinguished Toastmaster
2018
UCC & ICST
Attended 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY
Memories of UCC : 40+ posts
Trivia : 2000+ posts
Archived and revised posts in hlamin.com
2019
69er GJ
Golden Jubilee of Graduation of the Class of 69
ILF
Panelist, 5th Irrawaddy Literary Festival
2020
PSA Tour in Jan 2020
After announcement of pandemic in Feb 2020, many social activities were paused.
2021 – 2023
Visits
Short visits (e.g Singapore, Malaysia)
NorCal RITAA
Some social activities were resumed.
2024
Visits
Short visits to Thailand and Laos
Attended EE85 Reunion as Guest of Edward Saw (Yu Ket).
Celebrations
NorCal RITAA celebrated Centennial of Engineering Education in Burma & 60th Anniversary of RIT
Saya U Nyunt Htay, Mg Mar Ga & team organized the recording of video messages of some sayas & sayamas. They can be accessed from YouTube channel & website of NorCal RITAA.
2025 – 2026
Hla Min
Still have good physical & mental health.
Updating posts in my website
Posts for RIT Updates
Posts for Old Paulians
Posts for Old Burma Group
Thanks
My ancestors
My Beloved FatherMy beloved parentsMy parents & Mother-in-law
An academic year usually spans two years. e.g. 1968 – 1969 academic year
To save space and time, I use the end year instead of the start year and end year e.g. Class of 1969 (or simply Class of 69)
Early Days at Rangoon University
U Ba Hli (Right)
The Faculty of Engineering accepted students who had completed I.Sc. (two years of Intermediate of Science) with the Pure Science option with reasonable marks.
The engineering classes are named 1st year of Engineering to Final (4th year of Engineering).
There were no Instructors. There were Assistant Lecturers, Lecturers and Professors. They are Gazetted Officers.
Saya U Ba Hli, first native Dean of Engineering, proposed the Twinning Program between the Faculty of Engineering and prestigious universities in the USA.
Some engineering students (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun, U Maung Maung Than, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Soe Paing) applied for States Scholarship before graduation. They joined the Faculty upon their return to Burma.
Some engineering students (e.g. U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Allen Htay, Dr. San Hla Aung, U San Tun) joined the faculty upon graduation. They were selected to do post-graduate studies in the USA.
Saya Dr. Yan Naing Lwin (Professor Emeritus, WIU) e-mailed me a copy of the “Burmese state scholars in the USA ’54”. There were about 400 state scholars including Saya U Sein Hlaing and Saya U Tin Swe.
Sports
The Halls (e.g. Prome) would aggressively seek outstanding athletes (footballers, tennis players, rowers, …).
U Chan Tha is Past Captain and Gold of RUBC Gold. He was Captain of the Prome Hall Soccer Team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for two consecutive years. Saya U Tin Swe was a member of that victorious team.
New Education System in 1964
The Rangoon University was reorganized into RASU (Rangoon Arts and Science University) and several Institutes (Economics, Education, Engineering, Medicine …).
Burma Institute of Technology (BIT) was renamed as Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). U Yone Mo, Dean of BIT, became the Rector of RIT.
Matriculates were admitted to the 1st BE class using the controversial ILA (Intelligence Level Aggregate).
Those who had passed I.Sc.(A) examination were admitted to the 2nd BE class based on the total marks.
Those who had passed I.Sc.(B) examination were admitted to the 3rd BE class (equivalent to the old 1st Year Engineering class).
The position for Instructors was created. It meant that most sayas have to wait to become Assistant Lecturers.
Memories
Ko Benny Tan (M70) lent me a copy of the “RIT Handbook” for 1966 – 67. I published the list of permanent and part-time sayas and sayamas in one of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” updates.
Saya U Moe Aung (EE) has old copies of “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung” and RIT Annual magazines. He served as Chief Editor for both publications.
Saya Charlie Kaw (Tex, GBNF) brought to USA projects of his final year students.
Seated : U Soe Paing, U Thein Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Swe (GBNF), U Sein Hlaing (Professor, GBNF), U Kyaw Tun (GBNF), U Sein Win (GBNF), U San Tint (GBNF)
Standing : U Soe Min (GBNF), U Chin Way (GBNF), U Win Tin, U Ba Myint, U Nyi Nyi (GBNF), U Moe Aung, U Sein Maung
Studying abroad : U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin (GBNF), U Tin Maung Thein
Absentee: U Khine Oo
U Myo KyiDr. Ba Lwin (GBNF)U Tin Mg Thein
Associated Article
I wrote “A short and sad clip : EE Sayas” for the commemorative issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung suggested the title of my article.
Sayagyis & senior sayas
Source : Saya U Myo Kyi (EE59)
U Moe AungSPZP
1. U Kyaw Tun 1950 – 1971 (started teaching at BOC College)
C Ping Lee
2. U C Ping Lee 1950 – 1952 3. U Sein Hlaing 1954 – 1986 4. U Tin Swe 1954 – 1998 5. Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Part time) 1959 6. U Htin Paw 1958 – 1959 7. U Ba Nyunt 1958 – 1959 8. Dr. A. E. Guile (Colombo Plan) 1959 – 1960 9. U Myo Kyi 1959 – 2002 10. Dr. Ba Lwin 1959 – 1994 11. U L. Tin Htun 1959 – 1960 12. Teoh Chin Koon 1959 – 1960 13. U Sein Win 1960 – 1994 14. Dr. San Tint 1961 – 2002 15. Mr. Zagarosky (Russian) 1962 – 1963 16. Dr. Ba Myint 1963 – 2000 17. U Sein Maung 1963 – 1994 18. U Khine Oo 1963 – 1996 19. Dr. Win Tin 1963 – 1990 20. U Moe Aung 1963 – 1990 21. U Chin Way 1963 – 1968 22. U Soe Min 1963 – 1965 23. U Nyi Nyi 1963 – 1965 24. U Thein Lwin 1964 – 1972 25. U Soe Paing 1964 – 1971 26. U Tin Maung Thein 1965 – 1990 27. U Tin Shwe (Ashin Wi thu ta) 1966 – 1996 28. Daw Mya Mya Than 1968 – 2003 29. U Than Lwin 1970 – 1994 30. U Kyaw Lwin 1970 – 1991 31. U Tin Win 1972 – 1980 32. U Thein Dan 1973 – 1997 33. U Khin Soe 1973 – 1982 34. Daw Khin Aye Win 1973 – 2009 35. Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee 1973 – 2000 36. U Kyaw Aung (U Kyin Phyuu) 1973 – 37. U Aung Than (U Ah Chun) 1973 – 2004 38. Daw Khin Swe Oo 1974 – 2002 39. U Clement Sadhana 1976 – 2010 40. Daw Than Than Win 1976 – 2012 41. Daw Khin Tint 1981 – 2008 42. U Myint Oo 1982 – 1990 43. Daw Khin Ma Ma Soe 1982 – 2008
U Sein MaungU Ba Myint U Khine OoU Soe PaingDaw Mya Mya ThanU Thein DanU Ko Ko KyiDaw Khin Aye Win
Editor’s Notes
U Kyaw Naing (Sin Gwan, EC70) is GBNF.
U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72) later worked in Malaysia and Canada.
More EE Sayas (Electronics and Power)
U Win Khaing Moe
U Maung Maung Latt
Daw Lei Lei Yee
Daw Khin Sandar Tun
Daw Khin Lay Wai
Daw Zin Mar Oo
Daw Khaing Khaing Kyaw
Daw Thazin Phyu
Daw Myint Myint Lwin
Daw Lei Lei Win
Daw Thidar Than (1)
Daw Mya Mya Aye
Daw Myint Myint Than
Daw Tin Tin Naing
Daw Sint Sint Win
Daw Thandar Naing
Daw Khin Swe Lwin
Daw Myint Myint Mon
Daw Nilar Aung
U Zaw Min Naing
Daw Moe Nilar
Daw Khin Moe Yee
Daw Kaythi Khaing
Daw Ah Tar Mon
Daw Ni Ni Thein Htay Pe
Daw Thidar Than (2)
U Thein Htay
U Tun Oo
Daw Aye Aye Mar
Daw Ni Ni Win
Daw San Myint Yee
U Aung Naing
Daw Naing Naing Maw
U Ananda
Daw Lei Lei Sein
Daw Min Min Myat
Daw Thi Thi Soe
Daw Mar Mar Lwin
Daw Su Myat Htut
Daw Win Lein Aye
Daw Han Thu Lwin
Daw Yin Yin Htwe
Daw Naing Naing Win
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu Win
Daw Cho Cho Aung
Daw Tin Tin Aye
Daw Ni Mar Nwe Aung
Daw Ei Ei Khin
Daw Kyaaw Khin
U Zaw Min Aung
Daw Aye Thinn Naing
Daw Nwe Ni Aye
U Soe Naing
Daw Phyu Phyu Moe
Daw Marlar Kyaw
Daw Aye Aye Thinn
EE Association (1965 – 66)
EE Association for 1965-66
Seated : Ma Pwint Than, Ma Yi Yi Aung, U Sein Win (Vice President), U Kyaw Tun (President), Ko Shwe Win (Secretary), Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Mo Mo Yi
Middle row : Ko Thein Swe, Ko Soe Than, U Sein Maung (Auditor), U Soe Paing, U San Tint, U Moe Aung (Treasurer), U Thein Lwin, U Soe Min
Last row : Ko Nyunt Pe, Ko Ye Win, Mehm Ye Win, Ko Kyaw Swe Win, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint, Ko Hla Thaung, Ko Aung Khin, Ko Soe Win, Ko Tin Than
I served as a EC member.
Hlyat Sit Sar Saung (1965 – 66)
Seated : Ma Mo Mo Yi, Ma Than Yi (Associate Editor), U Moe Aung (Chief Editor), U Kyaw Tun (Patron), Ko Ye Win (Secretary), Ma Yi Yi Aung
Standing : Ko Sann Oo (Associate Editor), Ko Thein Tun, Ko Hla Min, Ko Myo Myint (Associate Editor), Ko Soe Tha, Ko Soe Win, Mehm Ye Win
I served as a member.
Saya U Sein Win (GBNF)
Younger brother of Dr. Tin U (Medical Superintendent, Rangoon Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Saw Lwin.
Top student at the University of Michigan.
His friends called him “Khone Swa Khone Swa” referring to his brisk walking style.
Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
When EE Department was reorganized, he served as Professor of EP.
Saya is an absent minded Professor. He married late. One day, he drove Sayagadaw to Bogyoke Market. He taught (or discussed with) his students for quite some time and almost forgot to pick up Sayagadaw. There are variations on this anecdote regarding the place (e.g. Hledan Zay).
He served as Technical Advisor for UCC. He worked closely with U Win Htein (Purdue University, EE at PWD, GBNF) for the design & maintenance of the Electrical Systems (including Motor Alternator, Diesel Generator, Air conditioning) at UCC.
Line Judge at the RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club) Regattas.
President, RIT Swimming Association; He stays fit by swimming regularly (even when he was visiting Singapore on a business trip).
He has a vast knowledge. Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58) remembers Saya U Sein Win discussing about Civil Engineering and other subjects.
Update
Several senior sayas — U Kyaw Tun, C Ping Lee, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, Dr. Ba Lwin, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way, U Nyi Nyi, U Tin Shwe, Daw Mya Mya Than, U Kyaw Naing, U Kyaw Lwin, Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee, U Khin Soe — are GBNF.
Some — U Moe Aung, U Tin Win, U Thein Dan — have medical problems.
At SPHS, we had a “Morals and Manners” class for students who are not Catholics. We learned some poems from the book.
The following is a modernized version of a poem which used “Thou”, “Thee” and “Locks”.
Poem
Be kind to your father — for when you were young Who loved you as fondly as he He caught the first accent that fell from your tongue And joined in the heavenly glee.
Be kind to your father — for now he is old His hair intermingled with grey His footsteps are feeble, once fearless and bold Your father is passing away.
Luyechun (လူရည်ချွန်) for 9th & 10th standards. Present at the first Luyechun Camp was Thinchar Chun (သင်္ချာချွန်) Kyaw Myint (later T72 grad, MARB President)
Metallurgical Engineering
Nyunt Htay 2
Graduated from RIT in 1973 with Metallurgical Engineering
Taught Metallurgical Engineering
Retired as Associate Professor
Wrote articles about the Department, Sayas & Students
Passion
Poetry, writing & editing
Pen name : Maung Nyunt Htay (Ah Htet Min Hla) မောင်ညွန့်ဌေး (အထက်မင်းလှ)
Nyunt Htay 3
Editor, RIT Annual Magazine
Chief Editor, Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
Myanmar Mudita
Contributor, Poetic Art Series
Co-author, Collection of Swel Daw Yeik Poems
Book of Poems
Family members
Two daughters
Several “Myee” cats
Health
Had a brush with Covid-19 and received support from the alumni and/or SDYF.
Recovered fully
Some sayas, sayamas and 9 Metallurgy alumni (including Maung Tun, 69er) succumbed to Covid.
Memories
Book Presents
Gave me the Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
Gave me an autographed copy of “Swel Daw Kabyar Collection” by him and four RIT Poets : Saya U Moe Aung, Saya U Aung Myaing, U Win Myint (M72) and U Toee Maung.
2015 RIT Alumni in Los Angeles
Attended the gathering with Metallurgy Saya U Win Kyaw (Met71),
Other Metallurgy attendees include Saya U Thein Aung (Met72), Sayama Dr. Naing Naing Aung (Met91) & Ko Thiri Nyunt (musician).
Gathering at iNapa Winery
At iNapa Winery
Metallurgy sayas and Ko Thiri Nyunt attended the Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment at iNapa winery hosted by Gordon Kaung (M83) and Lillian (EC83).
The attendees paid respect to Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi. On behalf of Bagyee Myat Myo Myint, U Nyunt Htay presented a Pon Tu to Sayagyi.
Micro-gathering in 2019
During my visit to Yangon in late 2019, U Nyunt Htay hosted a micro gathering at Shwe Bae.
U Win Kyaw picked me and Saya U Ye Myint (ChE70) to attend the gathering.
Collection of Pali verses (that refer to Buddha’s teachings).
Translated by several Pali Scholars.
Some Dhammapada books also cover short stories related to the verses.
Narada Thera
Dhammapada by Narada Thera
The Dhammapada
Subtitle: Pali text & translation with stories & notes
Author : Narada Thera
Preface
Chapters
The Twin Verses
Heedfulness
Mind
Flowers
Fools
The Wise
The Worthy
Thousands
Evil
The Rod or Punishment
Old Age
The Self
The World
The Buddha
Happiness
Affection
Anger
Impurities or Taints
The Just or Righteous
The Way or the Path
Miscellaneous
Woeful State
The Elephant
Craving
The Bhikkhu or the Mendicant
The Brahmana
Venerable Buddharakhitta
Dhammapada by Ven. Buddharakkhita
The following verses are from the book by Venerable Buddharakkhita.
Verse 182
Hard it is to be born a man; hard is the life of mortals. Hard is it to gain the opportunity of hearing the Sublime Truth, and hard to encounter is the arising of the Buddhas.
Verse 183
To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one’s mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.
Verse 184
Enduring patience is the highest austerity. “Nibbana is supreme,” says the Buddhas. He is not a true monk who harms another, nor a true renunciate who oppresses others.
Myanmar & English
Dhammapada in Burmese and English
U Thittila’s Translation (in Burmese)
Venerable Buddharakkhita’s Translation (in English)
Frequently Quoted Verse
The following Dhammapada verse is frequently quoted by Sayadaws and writers.
“Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one’s mind, – this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.”
It seems simple (at the basic level), but it also has a deeper meaning (at the metaphysical level).
The explanations may refer to Abhidhamma to expound what “kusala” (wholesome deeds) and “akusula” (unwholesome deeds) are.
References may also be made to the three “Seikhas” : sila (morality), sammadhi (concentration), and panna (wisdom).
Bhavana practices such as samatha (tranquility meditation) and vipassana (insight meditation) are needed to calm and purify the mind.
U Lokanatha – Italian Buddhist Monk (1897-1966)
U Lokanatha
Chemical Analyst in the US
Received a book from his supervisor as Christmas present. The book had a chapter on Dhammapada. After reading the verses, a deep impulse (which resonated with his scientific inquiring mind) led him to pursue Buddhism & become a Buddhist monk.
He was from a devout Catholic family. His elder brother was a Priest.
Sayadaw spent considerable time at the Bawdigone monastery (donated by my paternal grandmother) on Windermere Road, Rangoon, Burma.
He practiced Dhutanga.
He also preached. Sunlun U Vinaya was interpreter for some of the talks.
Dhamma Dhuta missions to India and Ceylon
His booklet, “Why I became a Buddhist”, had considerable influence on the leader of the “Untouchables” in India.
His dhamma duta work can be found in the articles in Wikipedia and some Buddhist web sites.
HlaMin 